House Judiciary Committee Chair Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) was a guest on Tuesday’s Kojo Nnamdi Show, where he signaled that immigration-related bills are ready for a vote after Syria and the debt limit are dealt with and stressed the need to “find the appropriate legal status for people who are not lawfully here.” Goodlatte has recently been a target for those frustrated by lack of progress on immigration reform in the House.

In an interview with ABC’s This Week, President Obama argued, “If Speaker Boehner put that bill on the floor of the House of Representatives right now, it would pass,” arguing that a faction of the House GOP is unwilling to compromise.

Frustration also bubbled to the surface for some reform advocates on the opinion pages. In the Wall Street Journal, AOL founder Steve Case argued that “As Congress dawdles, the world steals our talent,” citing examples of high-skilled immigration successes other countries experienced over the summer. Jorge Ramos wrote a scathing assessment of the delay on an immigration reform vote.

Some religious groups are still clinging to hope. The Interfaith Immigration Coalition announced that they are part of a Fast Action for Immigration Reform which will include fasting, prayer and rallies. Jewish leadership took steps to call for reform during their High Holy Day season.

Higher education is getting involved. In Florida, 18 of the state’s college presidents signed a letter asking Florida’s congressional delegation to pass an immigration overhaul.

Author

Former Research Analyst - Metropolitan Policy Program

On the business front, “more than 100 businesses, including some of the nation’s largest companies, set a letter to the House of Representatives reminding them not to forget about immigration.” Notably, the New York Times reports, Signatories included companies that have not pushed for reform in the past, including blue-chippers like Procter & Gamble, American Express, and Coca-Cola.